Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

[cellomaster27]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I'm hoping that this sigma 50 is going to cost somewhere around 699 to be high and 550 to be low. At least for the initial pricing. Got me thinking though... Depending on the quality of the rumored canon 50 IS lens, these may be competing for consumers wallets head on. The now previous version of the sigma 50 found it's way into my photographers bags over the years. Going to be a very interesting and I think a successful year for sigma if they keep the stunning new line of lenses coming in. Good for all of us photographers.

 

[mrsfotografie]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I'm very happy with my current f/1.4 Sigma - but did anyone notice the maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6? The MMR of the current model is only 1:7.4, something I stumble into when I do museums with this lens.

 

[ahsanford]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Well timed! There's the crazy Otus 55mm and then the Nikkor 58mm, both ridiculously priced lenses and I consider the 50L ridiculous as well. Still, can't tell how much Sigma is asking for this lens, and how much better it becomes over it's previous 50. But surely it will not be much more, 50mm lenses are supposed to be the easiest and cheapest of lenses to manufacture! How it appears to be so difficult to make a decently sharp, relatively CA free 50 with good bokeh.... oh, I guess that is asking too much looking back at those expensive 50s... so, will Sigma deliver instead?

I'm more interested in the other potential lenses, such as a fast 24mm, but it's good for Sigma to return to classic areas and getting the basic and popular lenses out as well

Canon 50 F/1.8 = $125
Canon 50 F/2.5* = $299
Sigma 50 F/2.8* = $369
Canon 50 F/1.4 = $399
Sigma 50 F/1.4 = $499
[HUGE OPPORTUNITY SPACE]
Canon 50 F/1.2 = $1,619

* = Generally a macro lens but serviceable as a general AF prime

Showing non-rebate B&H prices here, but you get my drift... I've left out the manual focus lenses because I don't shoot them, but you could imagine the Rokibowyangs and the Zeiss glass in there if you were so inclined.

And you can see why so many folks are clamoring for a better 50mm option. Every single lens on that list has issues of one form or another that precludes it from being an 8 or 9 out of 10 at everything sort of lens. I would argue right now that such a lens does not exist (at least not with autofocus in an EF mount).

So, enter Sigma (today) and Canon (eventually -- my money's on this year) with a 50mm prime that can outclass the field in most metrics and stay under $1,000. Sigma's playing the Art card and admirably throwing the house at 'horsepower' metrics like speed and sharpness, and Canon (at least of late) has been building less impressive lenses on paper that are awfully well thought through (i.e. the non-L IS refreshes).

I'm curious to see who really earns mindshare and proponents in this focal length. Will it be the all-things-considered folks or the IQ folks? We shall see.

- A

 

[zlatko]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I note that this new Sigma 50/1.4 is being introduced at $900. Canon's current 50/1.4 (a 20-year-old design) is about $400 or less (BuyDig offered it for $279 recently). If Canon introduces a new 50/1.4 in the same price range as this Sigma, some people will complain (in online forums) about Canon's pricing ... "They doubled the price!!!". If Canon introduces a really good 50/1.8 with IS, some people will compare its price to that of the nifty fifty ($125) and scream. However, a really good 50mm costs some $$$ to build. That's why the Sigma is $900 and not $400. That's why the Otus is $4000 and not $400. Even the manual focus Zeiss ZE 50/1.4 is $725.

If the lens is large and has a complex formula (13 elements in 8 groups)...the canon 50mm f/1.2L (has only 8 elements in 7 groups)...is not a GREAT lens...I am hoping that this new Sigma could be the best 50mm with AF for Canon on the market. This is REALLY exciting news to FINALLY "possibly" have a great normal lens for FF. I am keeping my fingers crossed here and hoping for the best. Canon has been sound asleep here for many years.

I think it's an exciting announcement too. But I disagree about Canon sleeping. They've been putting out new lenses steadily, just at other focal lengths; I could make a list of some really good ones. The 50L is a wonderful lens because of the way it draws -- it's made a lot of my favorite photos. A lot of photographers like the look. And it's weather-sealed once you add a filter. Canon obviously had different design priorities for the 50L than ultimate sharpness. It does have some faults, so it doesn't please everyone. I believe they omitted a floating rear element which is what helps make some other lenses so good. But with that it would have cost even more. I'm looking forward to seeing how this Sigma will compare.

 

[Zv]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

It all depends on the price of both the Sigma and Canon (if we ever see the Canon that is!). I got rid off my 50 1.8 a while ago and have missed having something relatively small and light to use as a walk around lens. The Sigma looks like it might be a bit on the heavy side, prob better suited to studio work than hiking and outdoor activities. For that kinda thing a 50 IS would make more sense. I really love IS, it's a life saver. I don't want to carry a tripod all day for the small possibility that i might need it for one or two low light shots in the evening. Just want a well built 50 that has reliable AF.

I can see both the Canon and Sigma being around the same price, a bit like the 35s.

Canon, the time to announce your 50 1.8 IS is now!

 

[ahsanford]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I note that this new Sigma 50/1.4 is being introduced at $900. Canon's current 50/1.4 (a 20-year-old design) is about $400 or less (BuyDig offered it for $279 recently). If Canon introduces a new 50/1.4 in the same price range as this Sigma, some people will complain (in online forums) about Canon's pricing ... "They doubled the price!!!". However, a really good 50mm costs some $$$ to build. That's why the Sigma is $900 and not $400. That's why the Otus is $4000 and not $400. Even the manual focus Zeiss ZE 50/1.4 is $725.

Agree. We thought Sigma was nutty with an $899 asking price for the 35mm Art on the notion that Sigma should not warrant such a price at such a length based on prior lenses they've made. But no one's complaining about that now, and you could argue the success of that one 35mm lens has earned them the right ask for a similar price for the new 50.

Further, you are dead on -- I see pros still using the old Canon 50 F/1.4 at weddings, concerts, etc. because the 1.2 lens isn't for them. It's dreamy and arty, but it's not particularly sharp and I've read people having fits nailing the focus. I've shot both, and I think the hunt-y AF of my 50 F/1.4 is slower to target but ultimately more reliably on target.

The downside? I can't use the 50 F/1.4 with my niece and nephew because they move faster than my AF can lock on, and my hit rate is low with them. So I save my 50 prime for portraits of adults or, more often, a walkabout lens where I take a little more time to compose, and I crack out the 24-70 (with far better AF) to capture the little ones.

Keep in mind that's just for me. But these forums are littered with people unhappy with the lenses on the (prior) price list. Each one is lacking something that would make it an all-around win for the shooter.

So a top-to-bottom modern 50mm lens with all things considered (and not necessarily mastered/perfected -- just competently done) would command a great price, and I'd likely be first in line to pay for it. I think Sigma around $800-900 is just about right, but like the 35 Art, it needs to sing in reviews to earn that price.

- A

 

[ahsanford]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

It all depends on the price of both the Sigma and Canon (if we ever see the Canon that is!). I got rid off my 50 1.8 a while ago and have missed having something relatively small and light to use as a walk around lens. The Sigma looks like it might be a bit on the heavy side, prob better suited to studio work than hiking and outdoor activities. For that kinda thing a 50 IS would make more sense. I really love IS, it's a life saver. I don't want to carry a tripod all day for the small possibility that i might need it for one or two low light shots in the evening. Just want a well built 50 that has reliable AF.

I can see both the Canon and Sigma being around the same price, a bit like the 35s.

Canon, the time to announce your 50 1.8 IS is now!

The new Sigma is almost the same diam/length as the Canon 24-70 F/4L IS, which is certainly big for a 50 prime!

But the weight is less than you'd think for its size -- the new Sigma is about halfway between the Canon F/1.4 and F/1.2, and right around a pound, I think.

Interesting! They pulled the weight from their webpage! It was around 16 oz when I first read it today.

P.S. OT to Zv: I use that 24-70 F/4 for hiking myself and it's not been a bother, it's quite ideal actually (macro/wide/solid AF for wildlife/weather seal/IS for lower light), and I'm not a big guy by any means. I put that on a BlackRapid mounted body and I'm off.

 

[Zv]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

It all depends on the price of both the Sigma and Canon (if we ever see the Canon that is!). I got rid off my 50 1.8 a while ago and have missed having something relatively small and light to use as a walk around lens. The Sigma looks like it might be a bit on the heavy side, prob better suited to studio work than hiking and outdoor activities. For that kinda thing a 50 IS would make more sense. I really love IS, it's a life saver. I don't want to carry a tripod all day for the small possibility that i might need it for one or two low light shots in the evening. Just want a well built 50 that has reliable AF.

I can see both the Canon and Sigma being around the same price, a bit like the 35s.

Canon, the time to announce your 50 1.8 IS is now!

The new Sigma is almost the same diam/length as the Canon 24-70 F/4L IS, which is certainly big for a 50 prime!

But the weight is less than you'd think for its size -- the new Sigma is about halfway between the Canon F/1.4 and F/1.2, and right around a pound, I think.

Interesting! They pulled the weight from their webpage! It was around 16 oz when I first read it today.

P.S. OT to Zv: I use that 24-70 F/4 for hiking myself and it's not been a bother, it's quite ideal actually (macro/wide/solid AF for wildlife/weather seal/IS for lower light), and I'm not a big guy by any means. I put that on a BlackRapid mounted body and I'm off.

Oh! Sorry I misread somewhere and thought the Sigma was the same size as the 24-70LII, that's my fault! Yeah the 24-70 f/4L is quite manageable esp on a 6D. I've considered swapping my 24-105 for it but I like having the 105mm option.

Where is everyone getting the specs for size weight and price btw?? (Found it, duh their website. I'm on fire today!)

 

[Zv]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I made a ahem paper "replica" to get my head around the size. Seems about the same size and thickness as an average coffee mug.

Observe.

 

[cliffwang]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I am very happy with my Sigma 50mm f/1.4. However, this is very exciting to hear the new 50 f/1.4 art lens. Good job Sigma and Tamron.

 

[Viggo]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I sincerely hope this lens isn't anywhere near 699-899! I hoping for AT LEAST $1499. I don't want Canon 50 1.4 competitor, I want the best 50 AF lens for Canon, I want it to be close to my Zeiss wide open ( and yes a stop faster).

The thing is, even New Sigma struggles a lot with AF, and would I rather have the best mf there is (Zeiss) or would I like okay AF? I think my answer is mf, because if I miss, I know I , myself missed, not the lens. Only wish the Zeiss was 1.4...

 

[Northstar]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Great to hear about this new lens....the opportunity for a 50mm 1.4 canon mount that actually performs well from 1.4 to 1.8 is exciting.

I'm hoping the AF is fast enough to allow me to shoot sports with it. It would be nice when I'm forced to shoot at ISO 6400 on my 2.8 zoom, to instead pull out this 50 and shoot at ISO 3200 or 1600.

 

[Viggo]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

"The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line"

Will this out performs my f1.2 L : : :

For sharpness? Hell, the current 50 F/1.4 is sharper after F/2 or so. Set a higher bar, will ya?

Again, for sharpness, I think the new 50 from Sigma will dust the 50 1.2L based on the performance of the Sigma 35mm Art:

Consider Roger's take, which is a clear read:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/11/sigma-35mm-f1-4-arrives-announces-new-world-order
(Besides his nice article, note: "This lens kicks butt, takes names, and basically posterizes the manufacturers who make the cameras this lens will fit on.")

Then consider PhotoZone's take on both 35s and the 50 1.2L (poor away from center), which is attached. Those are stellar F/1.4 and F/2 numbers away from center for the Sigma, by the way -- large aperture glass almost never shows such a good performance.

So I expect for sharpness the new Sigma to really take it to the 50 F/1.2L, but as everyone on this forum will say, there's more to it than that -- bokeh, distortion, chromatic effects, focus speed/accuracy/consistency, etc. may say that the Sigma is lacking in some department. We'll see.

Hell, off the cuff, size may be a tipping point for some -- this lens had better cut diamonds it's so sharp if it's going to take up 3-4x the volume in my bag as my trusty old Canon 50/1.4, and I don't expect the new Canon 50 F/?.? IS to be much bigger than its physical 'twin', the 35mm f/2 IS.

- A

I can't compare this Sigma Vs my 50L yet. However, my 50L is quite awesome when shoot wide open or at f1.4. As an owner of 50mm f1.4 for 2-3yrs, I do know the history of this lens. The color and contrast from f1.4 are flat. I'm not good reading reviews or showing 3rd party testing data. I like to see my own photos

There is no fun buying f1.4 prime, but can't get good results at near f1.4.

The 50 L is a wonderful lens, and as your shot shows, it draws nice, BUT what I see is dead center comp, if you were to shoot that same shot with one of the outer most points, it would be a mess. I know because I have tried, I had to be at around 2,8 to get decent sharpness with outer points, and even then I would just prefer the 24-70 at 50mm.

Just want to say, I have owned three 50 L's and I LOVE that lens, but it simply lacks so much sharpness and IQ slightly off center it's very limiting for composition.

 

[Eldar]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I sincerely hope this lens isn't anywhere near 699-899! I hoping for AT LEAST $1499. I don't want Canon 50 1.4 competitor, I want the best 50 AF lens for Canon, I want it to be close to my Zeiss wide open ( and yes a stop faster).

The thing is, even New Sigma struggles a lot with AF, and would I rather have the best mf there is (Zeiss) or would I like okay AF? I think my answer is mf, because if I miss, I know I , myself missed, not the lens. Only wish the Zeiss was 1.4...

My Sigma 35 f1.4 was great for a long time, but this fall AF started to drift and at Christmas I could not use it. A run through Focal showed a 7 step AFMA change. I have not checked if the drift has continued. But nevertheless, it makes me a bit sceptical ...

 

[Viggo]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I sincerely hope this lens isn't anywhere near 699-899! I hoping for AT LEAST $1499. I don't want Canon 50 1.4 competitor, I want the best 50 AF lens for Canon, I want it to be close to my Zeiss wide open ( and yes a stop faster).

The thing is, even New Sigma struggles a lot with AF, and would I rather have the best mf there is (Zeiss) or would I like okay AF? I think my answer is mf, because if I miss, I know I , myself missed, not the lens. Only wish the Zeiss was 1.4...

My Sigma 35 f1.4 was great for a long time, but this fall AF started to drift and at Christmas I could not use it. A run through Focal showed a 7 step AFMA change. I have not checked if the drift has continued. But nevertheless, it makes me a bit sceptical ...

Wow! Seriously? The AFMA value changed without dropping or bumping the lens hard? That's the first time I have heard, I didn't think it was even possible. But that is NOT at good thing.... Ouch, sorry to hear that... At least it made your 55 even more worth it, no?

 

[RGomezPhotos]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I'm glad Sigma put some time and effort into the 50mm. Until recently, this focal length usually gets left out in the cold. I love my Zeiss 50mm f1.4. Still one of the better ones out there at this focal length. But I'm glad there are more quality choices in a medium price tag.

 

[Eldar]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I sincerely hope this lens isn't anywhere near 699-899! I hoping for AT LEAST $1499. I don't want Canon 50 1.4 competitor, I want the best 50 AF lens for Canon, I want it to be close to my Zeiss wide open ( and yes a stop faster).

The thing is, even New Sigma struggles a lot with AF, and would I rather have the best mf there is (Zeiss) or would I like okay AF? I think my answer is mf, because if I miss, I know I , myself missed, not the lens. Only wish the Zeiss was 1.4...

My Sigma 35 f1.4 was great for a long time, but this fall AF started to drift and at Christmas I could not use it. A run through Focal showed a 7 step AFMA change. I have not checked if the drift has continued. But nevertheless, it makes me a bit sceptical ...

Wow! Seriously? The AFMA value changed without dropping or bumping the lens hard? That's the first time I have heard, I didn't think it was even possible. But that is NOT at good thing.... Ouch, sorry to hear that... At least it made your 55 even more worth it, no?

He he, the AFMA problem with the Otus sits just above my nose If you need a MF 1.4 lens of excellent quality, all you need is $4k :

 

[Viggo]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I sincerely hope this lens isn't anywhere near 699-899! I hoping for AT LEAST $1499. I don't want Canon 50 1.4 competitor, I want the best 50 AF lens for Canon, I want it to be close to my Zeiss wide open ( and yes a stop faster).

The thing is, even New Sigma struggles a lot with AF, and would I rather have the best mf there is (Zeiss) or would I like okay AF? I think my answer is mf, because if I miss, I know I , myself missed, not the lens. Only wish the Zeiss was 1.4...

My Sigma 35 f1.4 was great for a long time, but this fall AF started to drift and at Christmas I could not use it. A run through Focal showed a 7 step AFMA change. I have not checked if the drift has continued. But nevertheless, it makes me a bit sceptical ...

Wow! Seriously? The AFMA value changed without dropping or bumping the lens hard? That's the first time I have heard, I didn't think it was even possible. But that is NOT at good thing.... Ouch, sorry to hear that... At least it made your 55 even more worth it, no?

He he, the AFMA problem with the Otus sits just above my nose If you need a MF 1.4 lens of excellent quality, all you need is $4k :

Lol, yeah, I had a savings account for the Otus as soon as I heard about it a looong time ago, but they took too long and I bought the 200 instead. Maybe just maybe this Sigma will bring a great 50 for a little less than the Otus, AND if the mf is as good as the 35, I can always use it as and mf lens too.

 

[9VIII]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

I'm very happy with my current f/1.4 Sigma - but did anyone notice the maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6? The MMR of the current model is only 1:7.4, something I stumble into when I do museums with this lens.

That's another big selling point for me. I love my Samyang 85f1.4, but I can't frame a shot on anything smaller than a medium size dog, which gets frustrating for someone who likes to shoot close up more than wide.

 

[that1guyy]

Re: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Hopefully another quality lens by Sigma! Hope its $899 like its little brother the 35mm 1.4.